Best of Jersey 17

On the Pro Football history landscape, jersey numbers transcend mere digits. They become badges of honor, forever linked to the legendary players who wore them with distinction. Today, we're turning the spotlight on number 17, a jersey donned by a fascinating mix of gridiron greats.

Whether you're a fan of electrifying wide receivers making highlight-reel catches or lockdown defensive backs shutting down opposing offenses, number 17 boasts a rich history. This jersey has been a badge of honor for some of the league's most exciting and impactful players, both on offense and defense.

But who exactly are the NFL greats who rocked number 17? Dive into our list of the most famous and best American pro football players who wore this iconic number. We'll explore their careers, signature plays, and the lasting legacy they left behind. Get ready for a journey through NFL history, all centered around the storied number 17!

In this edition we search for the answer on who the top ten greatest NFL players are that wore the number 17.

As always we start exploration with those that are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The famous museum in Canton tells us that:

• Harold Carmichael - who was a prolific big tight end/ wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1970's and early 1980's.
• Glen Turk Edwards - was a early two way tackle for the Boston and later Washington Redskins.
• Red Badgro who played int he late 1920's and 1930's for the New York Yankees, Giants and Brooklyn as a two way end.
• Benny Friedman In my research I could not find where Friedman wore the number 19, and if he did it was not for a long period of time. I am sure his name will come up insome of our other numbers in this series.

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There are plenty more to chooses from too, but this Deal Ends Soon! We have become an affiliate of Fanatics.com. Find the latest deals on football swag and treasures. When you purchase you not only get great sports gear items but you also help Pigskin Dispatch receive money to keep the football history flowing. It is a win-win!

We then change gears and look at the players that don't yet have a bronze bust in Canton:

• David Krieg the quarterback most famously of the Seattle Seahawks.
• Phillip Rivers who just recently retired from one season with the Colts and 17 seasons with the Chargers franchise.
• Jim Hart the quarterback of the St Louis Cardinals in the 1970's.
• Richie Petitbone the fantastic DB of the Bears, Rams and Redskins.
• Davante Adams the current wide receiver of the Las Vegas Raiders
• Steve Deberg the journeyman QB
• Jake Delhomme the quarterback that played for multiple teams but most famously took the Panthers to the Super Bowl.
• Billy Kilmer who can forget that signal caller that played in multiple cities but I always picture him in the uniform of Washington with his one bar facemask.
• Ryan Tannehill who was undercenter most recently for Tennessee but also played with the Dolphins.
• Doug Williams
• Don Meredith
• Brian Sipe
• Alshon Jeffries
• Mike Wallace
• Braylon Edwards
• Plaxico Burress

A speical thanks to the Pro Football Reference website for information they share on these great players. Check them out at Pro-Football-Reference.com

1. Philip Rivers
2. Harold Carmichael
3. Davante Adams
4. Dave Krieg
5. Richie Petitbon
6. Ryan Tannehill
7. Jake Delhomme
8. Josh Allen
9. Don Meredith
10. Billy Kilmer

Hold the phone here...One of our faithful readers has pointed out a Super Bowl Winning Quarterback that was missed and that should be on this list. J. Jones sugests that Doug Williams of the Washington and Tampa Bay franchises should be on this list and we do not disagree with Mr Jones suggestion.

We apologize for the absence of Doug Williams as his accomplishments ( Especially winning Super Bowl XXII and its MVP award) should not have been overlooked.

Thank you Mr Jones for pointing out the error!

Do you agree or disagree with our list? We would love to get your feedback, so email us at PigskinDispatch@gmail.com.

A speical thanks to the Pro Football Reference website for information they share on these great players. Check them out at Pro-Football-Reference.com

The Image used above is courtesy of Google Gemini and others from Wikimedia Commons. It is pleasing to see such vivid images of the jerseys that point out the uniform number and help us identify the legends that wore it.